Brighton Vs Liverpool

As Liverpool prepare for their final away fixture of the 2024-25 Premier League season, they face a crucial test against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Monday night. The Reds are determined to avoid an unwanted milestone—going three consecutive league matches without a victory for the first time this campaign. Their recent stumble against Arsenal momentarily dampened their title celebrations, while Brighton, fresh from a win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in gameweek 36, remain in contention for a surprise European qualification. The stage is set for an intriguing encounter between two sides with contrasting motivations as the season draws to a close.  

Liverpool’s recent performance against Arsenal highlighted both their strengths and vulnerabilities. Under the guidance of Arne Slot, the Reds have enjoyed a largely successful season, with the Dutchman making very few tactical missteps. However, his decisions in last weekend’s clash against the Gunners came under scrutiny. A dominant first-half display saw Liverpool surge to a 2-0 lead, courtesy of goals from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, putting them in firm control. Yet the momentum shifted dramatically after the break. Arsenal, reinvigorated, pulled one back through Gabriel Martinelli, injecting tension into the contest.  

The atmosphere at Anfield grew increasingly uneasy as Liverpool’s intensity dropped, and the introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold—whose impending move to Real Madrid has been a major talking point—was met with a mixed reception. The home crowd’s frustration was palpable, and matters worsened when Alexander-Arnold’s defensive lapse played Mikel Merino onside, allowing Arsenal to equalize. The 2-2 result marked only the third time in Premier League history that Liverpool failed to win a home match after leading by two or more goals at halftime. While the Reds have already secured the title, their recent dip in form has raised questions about their mentality in these final fixtures.  

Despite their recent struggles, Liverpool have a strong record in their final away game of the season. The last time they suffered defeat in such a match was back in the 2017-18 campaign, a statistic that will provide some confidence ahead of their trip to the south coast. However, Brighton will be no pushovers, especially given their own ambitions. The Seagulls’ recent victory over Wolves at Molineux kept their faint European hopes alive, with veteran striker Danny Welbeck reaching a personal milestone by scoring his 10th Premier League goal of the season. His penalty, followed by a late strike from Brajan Gruda, secured a vital three points, keeping Brighton within reach of eighth place—a position that could yet yield a Europa Conference League spot depending on other results.  

The race for European qualification remains delicately poised. Although Crystal Palace’s shock FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City complicated matters, eighth place could still be enough for continental football if Chelsea—who are already guaranteed a top-seven finish—win this year’s competition. This scenario leaves Brighton, along with Brentford, Bournemouth, and Fulham, clinging to hope. The Seagulls’ recent resurgence has been notable, with seven points taken from their last three league matches, a stark contrast to their earlier struggles where they managed just two points from five games between mid-March and mid-April.  

However, Brighton’s defensive frailties at home could prove costly against a Liverpool side eager to finish the season strongly. The Seagulls have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last six home matches, a vulnerability that Liverpool’s attacking talents will look to exploit. Historically, Brighton have found it difficult to overcome the Reds, having already suffered two defeats against them this season—a 3-2 loss in the EFL Cup followed by a 2-1 reverse at Anfield just days later. That said, their last top-flight victory over Liverpool at the Amex came in March 2022, meaning they will need to defy recent history to secure a positive result this time around.  

For Liverpool, this match represents an opportunity to reassert their dominance before the season concludes. While the title is already secured, momentum will be key as they look ahead to next season and potential reinforcements. Players like Alexander-Arnold, despite the recent backlash, will want to end their campaigns on a high note, while fringe players may see this as a chance to impress Slot ahead of the summer transfer window. Brighton, meanwhile, will be desperate to maintain their late-season push, knowing that a strong finish could cap off a successful campaign with European football.  

As the Premier League season reaches its climax, Monday night’s encounter promises to be a fascinating battle between a champion side looking to avoid a late slump and a determined Brighton team chasing a dream. With pride, momentum, and potential European qualification on the line, both teams have plenty to play for in what should be a compelling contest at the Amex.